The Region

A San Bernardino police officer on his way to direct traffic at a fire spotted a house in flames and led four people to safety before controlling the blaze with a garden hose. San Bernardino Fire Capt. Jess Campos said Officer Ty Montoya, 23, who has been on the force two years, kicked in the door of the house and dragged 72-year-old Gabriel Viegas outside, went back inside twice more and led three other residents to safety, and then entered the house again to extinguish the flames. Campos said the blaze began in the fireplace, which contained leaves, a log and trash. Damage was estimated at $3,500.